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Topics: Manchester United, Sir Alex Ferguson, Premier League
Matthew Holt
Topics: Manchester United, Sir Alex Ferguson, Premier League
Sir Alex Ferguson had a natural aura when it came to his man-management qualities.
The legendary Manchester United boss spent 27 years at Old Trafford in which he dealt with players from every walk of life.
Bust-ups with the likes of Roy Keane, David Beckham and Eric Cantona were all well-documented during his time with the Red Devils.
But knowing when to put an arm around certain individuals seemed to be a knack only Sir Alex could manage.
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Paul Ince, known as 'The Guv'nor' during his playing career, spent six years at the club after joining from West Ham in 1999.
During his time at the Theatre of Dreams, he won a pair of Premier League titles and FA Cups, establishing himself as one of Sir Alex's go-to men in midfield.
But one run-in with the fiery Scotsman caused a 48-hour rift between the pair that Ferguson eventually patched up with his quick wit.
Speaking to talkSPORT, Ince recalled: “We had a big, big game with Norwich in 1992/93 and Norwich were going for the title.
“They were a very, very good team and I think we won the game 3-0 or 3-1, and with about five minutes to go I had the ball and I went on a little mazy run and I lost the ball, they went up the pitch and nearly scored.
“I didn’t think anything of it, so we got into the changing room, all the lads are patting each other on the back and saying ‘well done’ and I’m joining in the fun and then Sir Alex comes storming through the door like Rambo and absolutely slaughtered me.
“He was shouting ‘What are you doing Incey? You’re not [Diego] Maradona, get the ball and pass it to the best players!’.
“I’m thinking ‘Where’s this come from?’ and me being me I bit back, we’d just beat title contenders comfortably at Carrow Road and I’ve had a decent game."
Ince admitted that the pair didn't speak for 48 hours and that it wasn't until the two returned to the club's Carrington base that all the drama was quickly forgotten.
“We came back in [to training] on the Thursday and were playing head tennis and Fergie was the referee. I hadn’t spoken to him for 48 hours, hadn’t said good morning or anything.
“It was first to 11, the score was 10-10 and the ball went up in the air, I did an overhead kick, the ball went right in the corner of the court and we won the game 11-10, we were jumping about celebrating.
“Sir Alex shouts ‘ball was out’ but it wasn’t out, but because I wasn’t speaking to him I couldn’t say anything, it was just bubbling inside me, but because I hadn't talked to him in 48 hours I couldn’t contest the decision and he said ‘winners them’.”
Ince continued: “I’m walking away and all of a sudden he shouts ‘Incey!’.
"I turned around and he said: ‘There’s only one Guv'nor here, son!’ and I started to laugh and after that we were speaking again and that was it. That was the greatness of the man.”